Zelensky to present a ‘Victory Plan’ to Biden. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled further details of his ‘Victory Plan’, which he intends to present to U.S. President Joe Biden during his forthcoming visit. Zelensky underscored that the plan’s success hinges significantly on U.S. backing and the strategic decisions Biden will take. Set for phased implementation between October and December, the initiative is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities amidst its ongoing war with Russia. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Zelensky also referenced a “Plan B,” which Ukraine has already been navigating as a result of the prolonged conflict. The president stressed the need for swift, coordinated action from international allies to ensure the plan’s effective execution, according to reports from European Pravda.
Guardian: Documents reveal Russia’s foreknowledge of Kursk incursion. According to the Guardian, recently unearthed Russian military documents indicate that Moscow was aware of the potential for a Ukrainian incursion into its Kursk region months before the attack in early August, yet still found itself ill-prepared when the offensive took place. Captured by Ukrainian forces, the documents reveal that Russian commanders had been alerted to the possibility of a Ukrainian advance and had outlined plans to bolster defensive positions. However, despite these measures, Russian forces were thrown into disarray during the assault. The papers, which contain detailed tactical plans and highlight concerns over dwindling morale, offer a glimpse into the disorganised state of Russia’s military in the region. In late August, the Guardian met with the Ukrainian special operations team that had seized Russian interior ministry, FSB, and army documents from buildings in the Kursk region, providing a selection of printed orders and handwritten logs, some dating back to late 2023, for viewing and photographing. The most recent entries were from just six weeks before Ukraine’s incursion into the region on 6 August, primarily from Russia’s 488th Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment and its 17th Battalion’s second company.
Estonian intelligence says Ukrainian strike on Russian ammo depot could shift war dynamics. According to Estonia media outlet ERR, Estonian intelligence believes that Ukraine’s recent strike on a Russian ammunition depot in Toropets will have a substantial impact on the war in the coming weeks. According to Colonel Ants Kiviselg, the attack resulted in the destruction of 30,000 tons of ammunition, significantly depleting Russia’s stockpile. Given that Russian forces typically use around 10,000 shells per week in combat, the loss represents a supply for two to three months. Kiviselg emphasised that the full effects of this strike would become apparent on the battlefield as Russia struggles to compensate for such a considerable loss. Although Russia still maintains operational control, the destruction of these munitions could alter the conflict’s dynamics, ERR reported.
Intense clashes with Russian forces continue in the Kurakhiv direction. Ukraine’s military remains locked in fierce combat, with 123 clashes reported, predominantly in the Kurakhiv direction, where Russian forces have launched a series of attacks. The Pokrovsk front witnessed 21 enemy attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from key positions, while additional assaults took place in regions such as Kharkiv and Lyman. Despite the relentless Russian offensives, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have successfully held their ground, inflicting substantial losses on the opposing side. The situation remains critical as Ukrainian forces continue to repel constant assaults across multiple fronts, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
